Tourism London plans to leverage the remaining $1.2-million fee from provincial and other sources. Campbell notes that the money would only be paid out if the bid is successful but said regardless, it’s well worth it.

“You can look at the direct economic benefit of hosting large-scale events like this. It varies from year to year, but it could be in excess of $10 million.”

Campbell added that he’s confident London can stack up against major Canadian cities who have hosted in the past.

“We can’t really get into specifics of our bid or our strategy, but we’re putting forward a very, very competitive bid.”